Lisa Mordente, the American singer and actress, is the daughter of very famous parents; Broadway icon Chita Rivera and dancer-choreographer-actor Tony Mordente.
Born and raised in New Hyde Park, New York, Lisa followed in the footsteps of her parents to become an actress, singer, and dancer. She debuted on Broadway in 1978 with the musical Platinum and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in Marlowe in 1981.
She married Donnie Kehr, a fellow performer from The Who’s Tommy, whom she met in 1993 but later divorced. Mordente has been keeping a low profile in recent times, as she has not been involved in any significantly public projects. However, she made headlines when she held a party to celebrate her mother’s 90th birthday, during which they performed together.
It’s worth noting that her mother is a 3-time Tony Award winner and the first Latina/Latino-American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor.
Lisa Mordente Is the Only Daughter Born To Chita Rivera And Tony Mordente
Chita Rivera’s daughter, Lisa Mordente, was born on July 30, 1958, in New Hyde Park, New York, and she is currently 66 years old. Lisa has been her parents’ joy and source of happiness and they ensured she was given everything she needed to become a successful entertainer.
In fact, her mother’s opening in the West End production of West Side Story was delayed due to her birth. She was born a year after her parents’ wedding, and they divorced when she was 9 years old in 1966.
Lisa Mordente Has A Half-Sister From Her Father’s Second Marriage
Even though she is the only biological daughter of her parents, we know that Lisa Mordente has a half-sister named Andriana Mordente. Reports indicate that Andriana was born when her father married Jean G. Fraser in 1978.
It’s worth noting that Mordente hails from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Her maternal grandfather, Pedro Julio Figueroa del Rivero, was a Puerto Rican musician, while her maternal grandmother, Katherine Anderson, is a mix of Scottish, Irish, and African-American ancestry.
There is no record from her father’s side of the family indicating their origin. However, we know that he was born in New York City.
A Look At Her Career And What She Has Been Up To
Lisa Mordente has carved her own path in the world of entertainment, following in her mother’s footsteps while establishing distinct artistic pursuits. At the age of 20, she showcased her talents when her Broadway debut came in the musical Platinum (1978).
She went on to appear on TV shows such as Viva Valdez (1976), Starsky and Hutch (1977–1979), Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979), and Chico and the Man (1974–1978).
Beyond acting, Mordente has ventured into choreography, demonstrating her multifaceted artistry. She choreographed for the movies The End (1978) and Sister Act (1992) and directed the world premiere of The Dancer’s Life, a theatrical tribute to her mother’s life and career.
Her other performance and production credits include:
- Anything Goes (1982)
- Gypsy (1975)
- Bye Bye Birdie (1972)
- The Rink as director/choreographer (2000)
- Carol & Chita as choreographer (1997)
- Angry Housewives as assistant choreographer (1987)
While her mother’s legacy looms large, Mordente has carved her niche in the industry. She has received critical acclaim for her performances and creative endeavors, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Marlowe (1981).
In January 2023, she joined her mother onstage for a special performance at Chita Rivera’s 90th birthday celebration. This heartwarming moment captured the essence of their bond and highlighted the shared passion for performance that runs deep within their family.
She Met Her Ex-Husband During The Production Of The Who’s Tommy
Following her mother’s footsteps in more ways than one, Lisa Mordente married actor-choreographer Donnie Kehr. Their paths crossed in 1993 during the production of The Who’s Tommy, where Mordente served as assistant choreographer.
Although there is no official report indicating when they got married, it is believed that they eventually did. One article from the LA Times written by Patrick Pacheco in 1995, which was about her mother, mentioned that Mordente was living with her husband in Los Angeles. This suggests that they might have gotten married sometime between 1993 and 1995.
It is unfortunate to mention that their marriage ultimately ended in divorce. However, the reason for their separation and whether they had any children remains unknown.
Lisa’s love life is currently unknown as she hasn’t disclosed any information about whether she is involved with a partner. Moreover, she shares nothing about her personal life on social media.
